An English Pie Invasion in Prague

In November 2013, self-confessed Australian foody Ashley McGlynn spotted a gap in the market for traditional Ozzy pies in Prague. He and his wife soon found a commercial kitchen in Vinohrady and launched at the Christmas markets in I.P. Pavlova last year. They now sell via a wide variety of cafes, bars and even beer gardens in the city. A full list of vendors is available on their website. The Pie Shop have recently launched a new ‘pop-up pie night’ at U Kurelu pub in Zizkov. A chance to sample the different pies as well as some other side dishes including minted mushy peas, creamy mashed potatoes, and red wine gravy. See the U Kurelu Facebook page for details.

British expat Gary Smith was keen to escape the grind of working in an international corporation. He and his wife had previous experience of running a successful cafe in Prague 1 and so decided to take the plunge in March 2014 and completely convert their garage into a fully operational commercial kitchen and launch their own business. They specialise in delivering to local businesses, language schools and homes and catering for office lunches, meetings etc. Gary’s brother is relocating to the Czech Republic in October to join the business and help it to expand further. They also plan to sell at select markets this Autumn. Like their Facebook page for the latest news.

This import business has been a long time in the making for British Prague-dweller Lee Broster who has been planning the distribution of the legendary British pie range for some time now. His very recently launched import company British Food will eventually stock not only Pukka Pies produce, but other British food-cupboard favourites. Lee expects Pukka’s new 3 & ½ minute pie to be very popular. The handy new microwave pies are available in two fillings at the moment (chicken or steak) and make the perfect instant snack.